Lichtenstein, Warhol
and Ramos “discovered” comic books in the 60’s and made large, beautiful and
intellectual pieces from the imagery. Somehow the art world forgot to laud the
original creators: Bob Kane, Roy Thomas and Curt Swan. A number of the original
artists of the comic book genre ironically didn’t see themselves as artist
either. They were happy to be working in a field they loved as they entertained
their readership. There were still
others like Carmine Infantino that studied and sited artist including French Impressionist;
Edgar Degas as a major influence on his style of drawing. Infantino would
produce many of the most iconic and reproduced images from comics “Silver Age.”
We now come to the contemporary where comic book creators are recognized as
artist in their own right. Robert Crumb, Alex Ross and Daniel Clowes are
definitely “Comic Book Guys” and favorites of the “High” art world as well. Another
artist to watch that has all the gifts of any master is David finch. His work
is to note.
Drawing is critical and the heart and soul of any great
work. Go to the core of every work of refinement and you will find
draftsmanship is foremost. Film, design, portraiture and scientific development
depend heavily on drawing. Story boarding, studies and sketches are critical as
well as informative. The mind and hand come together on page as problem solvers
and developers. The act and result of drawing by hand as especially expressed
with pencil is the alpha.
Finch’s pencils are of a confidence and grace that rival any
draftsman of the day. His is an elegance and refinement that transcends all
labels and genres. The lines, shadows and nuances from his hand are treasures
as well as joyous to the eye of the viewer. Finch’s portfolio is extensive and
possesses’ many remarkable things. Some of his best are displayed here and they
are to delight and to please.
